Chinese Wisdom

With all the talk of the opening of the Shanghai Disney Store and the soon opening of Disneyland itself, here's a little wisdom from the other side of the world:

"Life is just a field of newly fallen snow, and where you choose to walk, every step will show."

Key to the Kingdom

A couple of years back, my family arranged for a pretty special- and funny- birthday present.

After a very delicious breakfast at one of my favorite New Orleans styled cafes, we drove over to the Disney Store at the mall. One of my daughters, her husband, and then two kids, met us there. It was just before opening time.

Much to my surprise, a Disney cast member came out and announced a very special guest would be unlocking the magic this morning. I looked around and saw a dozen or so very cute little kids, fully expecting one of them to do something charming.

Wrong. It was me! They had arranged for me to be the guest of honor. Of course, my wife thoroughly enjoyed seeing me turn red faced as I walked forward when my name was announced. The payoff, however, was this little plastic key. Something I've kept in my desk drawer ever since. A little reminder of a family who loves me and loves to tease about my love for many things Disney.

Christmas Buddies

What started as a fun idea turned into a great family photo! My wife and I decided it was time for Grandpa and his three youngest grandsons to share some pajama time. In our family, pajamas for Christmas is a tradition, and the gifts are opened Christmas Eve. Then we all eat treats and play games. The Disney Store provided the perfect pairs: silhouette Mickeys in a deep red background. The photograph a little cherry here, but it worked out perfectly!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)